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AirPods Won’t Show “Off”? Enable Off Listening Mode First

Enable Off Listening Mode in AirPods Pro 2 or Pro 3 settings before selecting Off. Find the switch under Audio & Routing if it is not visible.
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If Off is missing from the Listening Mode choices on AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3, first enable Off Listening Mode in the AirPods settings. If its switch is not visible, look under Audio & Routing. Then choose Off in the Listening Mode selector. The setting requires a compatible host device and software version.

Enable Off Listening Mode on iPhone or iPad

  1. Connect your AirPods to the iPhone or iPad.
  2. Open Settings and tap the name of your AirPods.
  3. If you have AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3, find Off Listening Mode. If it is not shown, open Audio & Routing and look there.
  4. Turn on Off Listening Mode, then select Off under Listening Mode.

Apple lists iOS 18.1 or later and iPadOS 18.1 or later as compatible software for this control on AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3. See Apple’s instructions for Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes.

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Enable it on a Mac

  1. Connect your AirPods to the Mac.
  2. Open System Settings and select your AirPods.
  3. For AirPods Pro 2 or Pro 3, enable Off Listening Mode. If the option is not immediately visible, check Audio & Routing.
  4. Choose Off in the Listening Mode selector.

Apple lists macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later as compatible host software for this feature on Pro 2 and Pro 3. The settings screen can vary by AirPods model; Apple’s guide to changing AirPods settings explains how to open the model’s controls.

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What to check if the switch still does not appear

  • Check the model. The prerequisite to enable Off Listening Mode applies to AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3. Do not assume other AirPods models use the same toggle or offer identical modes.
  • Check the host software. For Pro 2 and Pro 3, use iOS 18.1 or later, iPadOS 18.1 or later, or macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later, depending on the device.
  • Look inside Audio & Routing. Apple’s instructions direct users there when the Off Listening Mode switch is not visible.
  • Use model-specific controls. Available listening modes and controls differ among AirPods families. Apple’s mode-switching guide covers AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

What choosing Off changes

On AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3, turning Listening Mode off disables Hearing Protection features. If you rely on those features, consider that effect before selecting Off.

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